Our Leadership

Corporate Officers

Adriana Palacios

President

Adriana joined the FCVFD in 2016 and in addition to serving as Secretary, serves as an active EMT. Graduate of Training 911’s Emergency Medical Technician course, Adriana is licensed medical specialist.

Additionally, she organizes outreach and community events for the department and coordinates fire safety training for Falls Church community organizations.

Originally from Arequipa, Peru, Adriana received extensive hotel operations and food service management training from Marriott Corporation and served in Marriott hotels and resorts in Germany and in the United States. She is a world traveler, who speaks four languages and is a passionate gastronomy and wine enthusiast, who enjoys entertaining guests in her home with her Peruvian and international specialties.

Today, she resides on Lincoln Avenue with her husband, John, two sons, Ian and Xavier, guinea pigs (not food) Urpi and Qolla. They are frequently visited by two step-children, Mary and Jack.

Pratyusha Katikaneni

Alicia O’Donnell

Operations Officers

Brendan Meehan

Chief

Brendan Meehan joined the Falls Church VFD in the spring of 2010, shortly after moving to Northern Virginia. His career in the fire service spans over 16 years including paid and volunteer, public and private departments.

Since joining the FCVFD, Brendan has obtained several certifications including Firefighter I/II, Driver/Pump Operator, EVOC I/II/III, HazMat Operations, Instructor I & Officer I. Additionally, he is an ACFD BLS-Provider, which allows him to serve as the “Attendant In Charge” on volunteer ambulances in Arlington County.

Dave Dougherty

Captain

Dave joined the FCVFD in 2015 and serves as an active EMT. As Lieutenant, Dave is responsible for assisting the senior officers with fire department operations and training, particularly as they relate to the EMS mission of the department.

Board of Trustees

Steve Sisler

Trustee

Stephen Sisler is a Falls Church native and a 3rd Generation fire firefighter at the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department. His father, Ben Sisler is a life member who served as Chief for 13 years. His Uncle, the late Harry Sisler also served as Chief. His grandmother, Alberta Sisler served as the president of the Ladies Auxiliary in the 1970’s. Steve’s cousin, George Powell served as Assistant Chief in the early 80’s and is also a life member.

Since joining the Fire Department in 2000, Steve has served for two years as Lieutenant, one year as Captain, and two terms on the Board of Trustees. He is currently a member of the Apparatus Committee in addition to serving his second year as Captain and maintaining his seat on the Board of Trustees.

Steve has received notable recognition for his service, including the Firefighter of the Year Award from the Arlington County Fire and Rescue Association and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from Arlington County. Steve also holds the following certifications:

Firefighter II

Hazmat Operations

1403 Live Fire Instructor

Instructor I

Officer II

He also has specialized training in:

Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

Arson Detection from the National Fire Academy

Vehicle Extrication

When Steve is not fighting fires, he works at Sislers Stone, his family business on Lee Highway in Falls Church, where he has worked for 21 years. He is currently Vice-President and General Manager of the business.

Ric Cooper

Trustee

Ric Cooper joined the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department in March 2016.

Ric holds undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the University of Virginia, George Mason University and Marymount University. He is retired from a career in operations management and brings over 35 years of experience to FCVFD.

Ric is involved with administrative and operational processes in several areas at FCVFD, but most enjoys riding E106B aka “Santamobile” as “Fire Truck Santa.”

Emma Pierce

Holly Stearns

Trustee

Holly Stearns is a graduate of Rutgers University and the George Washington University School of Law. Her work experience is in federal government relations with – as well as writing and editing for – a series of non-profit and public safety associations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

She joined the FCVFD in 2017 as an administrative member focusing on fundraising. She has been a resident of Falls Church since 2002, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Dave Dougherty

Trustee

Dave joined the FCVFD in 2015 and serves as an active EMT. As Lieutenant, Dave is responsible for assisting the senior officers with fire department operations and training, particularly as they relate to the EMS mission of the department.